DTIC ADA282875: Defense Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). Volume 4. ARPA, DNA, BMDO, and SOC0M Abstracts of Phase 1 Awards 1993

118 Pages·8.1 MB·English

by  Defense Technical Information Center

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DoD DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES:
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Department Department Department
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ArmyAir Force
Advanced Defense
Research Nuclear
Projects Agency Agency
BMDO
Ballistic Missile Special
Defense Operations
Organization Command
48 411
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION
RESEARCH PROGRAM (SBIR)
FY 1993 SBIR SOLICITATION
PHASE I AWARD ABSTRACTS
ARPA, DNA, BMDO, AND SOCOM PROJECTS
VOLUME IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ......................................................................
Introduction ..... ............................................... ....... ........ v
ARPA Projects ................................................................. I
DNA Projects ... .............................................................. 27
BMDO Projects .................................................................. 35
SOCOM Projects .................................................................. 81
Cross Reference
by Firm Name .. ........................................................... 83
by ARPA Topic Number ....................................................... 111
by BMDO Topic Number .. ................................................... 113
by DNA Topic Number ....................................................... 115
by SOCOM Topic Number .................................................... 115
Acession For° '
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DTIC TAB 0
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Justification
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PREFACE
This report presents the technical abstracts of the Phase I proposals that resulted in contract awards during Fiscal Year
1993 from solicitations of the Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The Army,
Navy, Air Force, Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA), Ballistic Missile Defense
Organization (BMDO, formerly SDIO), and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) are the DoD components of the SBIR
Program. Two solicitations inviting small business firms to submit proposals under this program were published in FY93.
Army, Navy, Air Force, ARPA, DNA, and BMDO participated in Program Solicitation 93.1 (Closing Date: 15 January 1993),
and Army, Navy, ARPA and SOCOM participated in Program Solicitation 93.2 (Closing Date: 2 August 1993). The selection
of proposals for funding was made from proposals received by the Military Services and Agencies.
FY 1993 SBIR PROGRAM
Number of Topics Proposals Received Phase I Awards
93.1 93.2 93.1 93.2 91 92 93.1 93.2
Army 36 309 498 2,840 - 246 42 -
Navy 132 145 1,624 1,102 20 84 187 9
Air Force 188 - 2,996 - - 4 466 -
ARPA 32 87 407 817 - - 58 -
DNA 20 - 190 - - - 19 -
BMDO 16 - 767 - - - 147 -
SOCOM - 3 -- 37 -- - - 3
Total 424 544 6,482 4,796 20 334 919 12
Grand Total 968 11,278 1,285
As of the FY93 Annual Report (dated 15 March 1994), most of the FY93.2 proposals were selected but not yet
awarded. The figures above show a quarter of the Phase I awards made in FY93 came from the FY91 and FY92 solicitations.
Of the 1,285 Phase I awards made in FY93, 258 awards (approximately 20 percent) went to minority-owned or woman-owned
businesses.
In order to make information available on the technical content of the Phase I projects supported by the DoD SBIR
Program, four volumes containing the abstracts and contracts for the awarded projects are published. The small business
information with accompanying abstract are arranged in alphabetical order by firm name. Cross reference indices appear at the
back of the volume for quick reference.
* Volume I contains Army Projects
* Volume H contains Navy Projects
* Volume I contains Air Force Projects
" Volume IV contains ARPA, DNA, BMDO, and SOCOM Projects
Venture capital and large industrial firms that may have an interest in the research described in the abstracts in this
publication are encouraged to contact the firm whose name and address is shown.
iii
INTRODUCTION
In 1982, Congress enacted and the President signed the "Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982" (Public
Law 97-219), which created the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to give small, high-technology firms a
greater share of the federally-funded research and development contract awards.
Under the SBIR Program, each federal agency with an extramural budget for research or research and development
in excess of $100 million per fiscal year must establish an SBIR Program. The program is currently funded by setting aside
1.5 percent of the participating agency's extramural R&R&D contracting dollars. The agencies participating in the Department
of Defense SBIR Program are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), Defense Nuclear
Agency (DNA), Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO, formerly SDIO), and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
The objectives of the DoD SBIR Program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector,
strengthening the role of small business in meeting DoD research and development needs, encouraging participation by minority
and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation, and increasing the commercial application of DoD-supported research
or research and development.
The SBIR Program consists of three distinct phases. Under Phase I, DoD components make awards to small
businesses, typically of up to one man-year of effort over a period of six months, subject to negotiation. Phase I is to determine,
insofar as possible, the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas or concepts submitted in response to SBIR topics.
Proposals selected for contract award are those which contain an approach or idea that holds promise to provide an answer to
the specific problem addressed in the topic. Successful completion of Phase I is a pre-requisite for further DoD support in Phase
fI.
Phase H awards will be made only to firms on the basis of results from the Phase I effort, and the scientific and
technical merit of the Phase H proposal. Proposals which identify a follow-on Phase mIf unding commitment will be given
special consideration. Phase II awards will typically cover two to five man-years of effort over a period of 24 months, also
subject to negotiation. The number of Phase U awards will depend upon the success rate of the Phase I effort and availability
of funds. Phase 11 is the principal research or research and development effort, and requires a comprehensive proposal outlining
the intended effort in detail.
In Phase Im, an innovation is brought to the marketplace by private sector investment and support. No SBIR funds
may be used in Phase El. Also, under Phase III, DoD may award follow-on contracts with non-SBIR funds for products and
processes meeting DoD mission needs.
Proposals received in response to a DoD solicitation are evaluated on a competitive basis in the organization which
generated the topic, by scientists and engineers knowledgeable in that area. Selections for Phase I are made in accordance with
the following criteria:
0 The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach and its incremental progress toward topic or
subtopic solution.
0 The potential for commercial (government or private sector) application and the benefits expected to accrue
from this commercialization.
* The adequacy of the proposed effort for the fulfillment of requirements of the research topic.
The qualifications of the proposed principal/key investigators, supporting staff and consultants. Qualifications
include not only the ability to perform the research and development but also the ability to commercialize
the results.
The "Small Business Innovation Act of 1986" (P.L.97-443) extended the "Sunset Clause" to 1993 and increased the
taxation of the extramural research and development budget to 1.25 percent. The latest SBIR re-authorization law (P.L. 102-
564), signed October 28, 1992, extends the program through 2000, doubles the taxation to 2.5 percent by 1997, and increases
the average Phase I and Phase I award agreements.
v
ARPA SBIR PHASE I AWARDS
ABJ INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES Topic#: 93-021 ID#: 9310385
7550 CHAPARRAL DRIVE Office: MTO
ATLANTA, GA 30350 Contract #: DAAH01-93-C-R196
Phone: [phone] PI: AXEL THOMSEN
Title: Self-routing Optical Crossbar Switch
Abstract: High speed, low cost optical self routing optical crossbar switches with gigabit data rates are key components in optical
communication and routing systems. We propose to fabricate and study a monolithically integrated optical crossbar switch which
will be inexpensive and high performance. This integrated switch utilizes thin film emitters and detectors integrated directly
onto a host integrated circuit. The ultimate performance of this switch will not be limited by the reactance of the wirebond
connections that plague conventional hybrid packaged schemes, since the proposed switch is monlithically integrated without
wirebonds. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Low cost, high performance optical crossbar switches for optical communication
networks.
ACSIST ASSOC., INC. Topic#: 93-014 ID#: 9310253
3965 MEADOWBROOK ROAD Office: ESTO
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN 55426 Contract #: DAAH01-93-C-R197
Phone: [phone] PI: CARL REYNOLDS
Title: Multi-chip Integration
Abstract: The goal of this research project is to determine the viability of an interconnect and probing technology which could
be used to test and bum-in unpackaged semiconductors at system level speed, and at operating frequency, with voltage and with
temperature margins verified. The focus of the research will be to address directly the most costly limitation to widespread
MCM use; the problem of readily determining "known good die" (KGD). The scope of the Phase I research is to investigate
the viability of an integrated interconnect technology designed to contact and test one to several unpackaged die. A significant
challenge is to develop the ability to probe the pads without damaging the bond or compromising device reliability. The selected
interconnection and probing technology must be suitable for use in both room temperature and thermal cycling; and in static high
temperature environments up to 165 degrees C. The technical challenges vary depending on whether the integrated circuit device
is destined to be attached to the next level package by wire bonding, TAB or a form of flip chip attachment. ANTICIPATED
BENEFITS: ACSIST believes that it will be able to commercialize a proven interconnect method for contracting one to several
unpackaged die without damage to the attachment pads which is suitable for use in a wide range of temperature environments
for the realization of the KGD concept.
ADVANCED PROCESSING LABORATORIES, INC. Topic#: 93-027 ID#: 9310402
8401 OLD COURTHOUSE ROAD Office: SSTO
VIENNA, VA 22182 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R198
Phone: [phone] PI: WILLIAM MAHOOD
Title: Voice Authentication Monitoring System
Abstract: Speech deception and voice "hijacking" techniques are now sophisticated beyond the ability of any single detection
methodology. Deceptive speech detection requires an array of analysis tools to collectively provide an acceptable probability
of detection. An effective Voice Authentication Monitoring System is envisioned as a "work bench" tool set to detect, analyze
and assess speech deception. Development of a single methodology which exploits articulatory trajectories of individual speakers
in analyzing continuous, "unwitting" speech has potential of superior performance involving voice authentication, speech
verification and recognition. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: The proposed research will yield a new tool methodology that will
facilitate the development of a Voice Authentication Monitoring System. The technique of speech featuring a trajectory mapping
is applicable to law enforcement, drug intradiction and counter terrorist efforts.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC. Topic#: 93-011 ID#: 9310331
7 COMMERCE DRIVE Office: DSO
DANBURY, CT 06810 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-RI99
Phone: [phone] PI: JOHN STEINBECK
Title: Residual Stress/fracture Modeling of HTSC Films
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ARPA SBIR PHASE I AWARDS
Abstract: High quality thin films of high temperature superconductor (HTSC) materials have been grown by a variety of
methods. Independent of the growth method, residual stresses in large area HTSC/dielectric multi-layer films, resulting from
both thermal expansion and lattice mismatch, continue to be a problem. In Phase I, ATM, working with Dr. Stewart Kurtz of
Pennsylvania State University, will calculate residual stress in the HTSC films using a three dimensional model based on the
Voronoi tessellation method, which Dr. Kurtz has applied to the analysis of residual stress in multilayer capacitor structures with
great success. Local stress distributions in the HTSC films will be predicted as a function of texture, grain size (to the limit
of single crystal growth), layer thickness, directional thermal expansion coefficient, and material physical constants. Interlayer
and intralayer fractures can then be predicted from analysis of local stress distributions. In Phase H the model will be refined
as a computational tool and applied to the HTSC multichip module fabrication problem. As appropriate, a wider range material
systems and more complex device geometries (including vias and trenches) will be examined. HTSC/multilayer structures will
be grown, residual stresses measured and corrected with the predictions of the model. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Residual
stress/delamination continues to be a major concern of many commercial thin film coating processes. Computational models
which can predict conditions leading to delamination or handling problems will save large sums of mopey spent on empirical
development studies.
ANALYTICAL DESIGNS, INC. Topic#: 93-031 ID#: 9310313
194 N. SUNNYVALE AVENUE Office: MSTO
SUNNYVALE, CA 94086 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R200
Phone: [phone] PI: BRIAN HOWLEY
Title: Intelligent, Modular, Scalable Controllers and Actuators for Use in Automated Systems
Abstract: An intelligent, redundant end effector is proposed for use as part of an intelligent automation system. The end effector
is compact, lightweight, and provides up to six degrees of freedom over a limited workspace. The design is modular being
composed of a number of interchangeable linear actuators which can be scaled to accommodate different force, bandwidth, and
accuracy requirements. Phase I technical objectives are to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and to trade design
configurations and controllers against size, weight, power, and computation complexity metrics. Phase II objectives will be to
build and demonstrate the proposed end effector's performance within a hierarchically controlled system. Phase I tasks include
fabrication and terting of an innovative linear actuator, which is a key element of the end effector design, and the development
of the software algorithms and algorithms and analysis tools. Improvements and enhancements to the actuator and end effector
designs will be sought. Anticipated Phase I results include development of an end effector mechanism and controllers, and
successful preparation for Phase H tasks. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Intelligent control lowers the cost, improves the
performance, and increases accessibility of commercial automation systems. Commercial applications extend to nearly all
industrial robot and automation systems proposed in this SBIR.
APPLIED TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Topic#: 92-218 ID#: 9220707
9300 S.W. BARNEY WHITE ROAD Office: SSTO
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98366 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R023
Phone: [phone] PI: LANCE OTIS
Title: Mapping Object-Structured Information Among Applications
Abstract: Applied Technical Systems, Inc. is presently performing research in the optimization of object-oriented representations
among database applications. We have developed a prototype database which can be used as a "meta-database," in that it can
incorporate the object structures for multiple databases and can provide a method for automatically optimizing the object
structure for a specific task or user perspective. This project proposes to expand on this research work to adapt the model to
a wider set of complex real-world app!ications that include modern object-oriented programming, database, and expert systems.
Leveraging off the existing research, we propose to devise methods for analysis, customization, conversion, and optimization
of any system's underlying object structure for each task and from one task set to another. In turn, the project proposes
automating and integrating these methods into a database management scheme that will provide joint accessibility to each or all
of these items mapped to each task or user for his particular perspective with no information loss, while assuring speedy query,
speedy update, data integrity, syncronicity, and data persistence. Deliverables will be in the form of research reports, prototype
software demonstrations, and recommendations for further research work. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Devising methods for
analysis, customizing, converting, and optimizing the system's underlying object structure for each task and from one task set
to another and in turn automating and integrating these methods into a database management scheme will improve the capability
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ARPA SBIR PHASE I AWARDS
to model complex real-world situations. This could provide improved support in areas such as: industrial business management,
medical research of symptoms vs. causes, law enforcement criminal tracking, and defense intelligence analysis.
CONQUEST SOFTWARE, INC. Topic#: 93-026 ID#: 9310075
9700 PATUXENT WOODS DRIVE, SUITE 140 Office: SSTO
COLUMBIA, MD 21046 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R201
Phone: [phone] PI: EDWIN ADDISON
Title: Natural Language Text Retrieval Using A Large Semantic Network
Abstract: In the 1980s, two independent developments in text retrieval attempted to improve Boolean searching. These were
statistically searching, which allowed users to enter requests in plain english and retrieve documents based upon the statistical
occurrence of words; and concept based searching, which requires users to define concepts in a knowledge base and perform
searches by entering a concept by its name. Both of these methods made some improvements in accuracy, but placed additional
burden on the user. Statistical searching has not been readily accepted because it is difficult to explain the results. Concept
based searching requires extensive labor to build the underlying "knowledge base" of search concepts. ConQuest Software,
by using retrieval software, called ConQuest (TM), that includes the best of both statistical and concept based searching, but
also eliminated the need for users to build a knowledge base. The objective of this effort is to combine ConQuest with new
processing to reach breakthrough levels of precision and recall accuracy by exploiting the power of a large semantic network
that includes, but is not limited to the contents of WordNet. The research results will demonstrate that linguistically based text
retrieval systems have a higher upside potential than purely statistically based systems. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: The
proposed system is useful to the Government in many ways: it enhances research programs such as TIPSTER, it provides a
capability for intelligence agency work, it provides document management, and it manages information (DTIC). The commercial
market for text retrieval is rapidly growing and has applications spanning corporate intelligence, legal, regulatory, marketing,
and document management.
COOPERATING SYSTEMS CORP. Topic#: 93-007 ID#: 9310016
1 SCHOOL STREET, SUITE 402 Office: CSTO
ARLINGTON, MA 02174 Contract #: DAAH01-93-C-R202
Phone: [phone] PI: MARINA CHEN
Title: Hi-C + +: An Object-oriented Programming Environment For High Performance Platforms
Abstract: This research project uses object-oriented technology to enable the creation of production quality commercial software
for high performance computing (HPC) hardware. Primary concerns include ease of use, platform flexibility, and high
performance. The investigation focuses on a C + + programming environment, called Hi-C + +, scalable and portable over a
variety of HPC platforms ranging from workstation clusters to massively parallel machines. The Hi-C + + approach makes use
of detailed structural and contextual analysis of each program segment, with run-time implementations designed to exploit this
special knowledge to gain high performance. The proposed concepts will be proven via commercial applications written in
Hi-C + +. The compilerirun-time system know-how and infrastructure required are advantages unique to Cooperating Systems
Corporation. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: The proposed software solution lowers the risk and long-range cost of HPC and
makes it truly useful for commercial as well as defense applications. Modeling and simulation in production, manufacturing,
engineering, and financial instrument trading will all benefit.
CRYSTACOMM, INC. Topic#: 93-012 ID#: 9310363
1599 N. SHORELINE BLVD. Office: ESTO
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94043 Contract #: DAAH01-93-C-R230
Phone: [phone] PI: GEORGE ANTYPAS
Title: "Large Diameter (3"), Indium Phosphide, (100) Oriented Single Crystal Growth"
Abstract: Based on the extensive experience related to the growth of low defect density 2" diameter Indium Phosphide, (InP),
crystals, we propose to optimize the thermal environment that was recently developed at CrystaComm for the growth of three
inch diameter InP crystals. Growth parameters such as temperature gradients, inert overpressure levels and boric oxide thickness
will be investigated. One to two kilogram (100) oriented InP crystals will be grown in this improved environment and will be
characterized, as to the defect density by wet chemical and x-ray topographic techniques. Polished sample wafers will be
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ARPA SBIR PHASE I AWARDS
supplied to designated laboratories for evaluation and epitaxial growth. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Successful completion
of Phase I1w ill make possible the commercial availability of 3", (100) oriented InP wafers of comparable quality that is presently
available in wafers less than 2" in diameter.
CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORP. Topic#: 93-029 ID#: 9310124
SUITE B-101, 1919 GREEN ROAD Office: SSTO
ANN ARBOR, MI 48105 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R231
Phone: [phone] PI: BRIAN MITCHELL
Title: Human-centered, Task-specific Visual Planning For Robotic Applications
Abstract: The development of an Active-Vision, Task-Specific planning system is proposed. This scheme is based on a
human-centered approach to obtaining insight into task-specific vision control strategies using eye-tracking hardware. This idea
is coupled with computer vision and artificial intelligence frameworks to produce a task-specific programmable system for
planning and allocating resources to produce computationally efficient and robust solutions to vision tasks. The results of this
project are expected to produce both hardware and software components that can be applied to a wide range of both military
and commercial robotic applications. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Within the military, space, and commercial sectors, active
vision technology can be used to support any robotic activity. In the military it could provide the basis for sensor allocation
to support both the navigation and RSTA activities for the robotic land vehicles. In space, it could aid in such applications as
spacecraft docking and robotic spacecraft repair. In the commercial world, the technology developed will be applicable to
robotic construction and earth moving equipment.
DANIEL H. WAGNER ASSOC., INC. Topic#: 93-027 ID#: 9310391
894 ROSS DRIVE, SUITE 205 Office: SSTO
SUNNYVALE, CA 94089 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R232
Phone: [phone] PI: ROBERT LIPSHUTZ
Title: Voice Authentication Monitoring System
Abstract: This work will demonstrate a novel signal processing paradigm for voice authentication. In addition, a statistical
analysis technique for the evaluation and improvement of any authentication method will be developed, along with a preliminary
database to support the evaluation. This includes a method for constructing a reference identification database, and a method
for continuously scanning a speaker's voice to authenticate their identity. Software will extract a predetermined set of sounds
which uniquely specify certain physiological characteristics of the speaker. These sounds will be processed to obtain a set of
discriminating parameters unique to a specific individual's voice, yet flexible enough to allow changes which occur during
normal speech. The authentication decision will be made by a neural network using the discriminating parameters. The network
will take advantage of the flexibility and reliability of the proposed techniques. The training and testing of the network will be
achieved using the aforementioned database. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: The ability to reliably verify the identity of an
individual based on a small, quickly computable set of parameters has numerous applications in the military and civilian sectors.
These include enhanced communication security; operator ID verification for voice controlled equipment; and customer ID
verification for bank and credit cards.
DEFENSE RESEAkCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Topic#: 93-018 ID#: 9310400
354 HUNGERFORD DRIVE Office: MICOM
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R233
Phone: [phone] PI: TADEUSZ DRZEWIECKI
Title: Missile Flyout Trajectory Visualization Tool
Abstract: It is often difficult to readily determine many important, but subtle, responses of missiles from telemetry data alone.
Therefore, accept missile simulation/telemetry data and reconstruct an animation of the events that occurred during the
flight/engagement. In order to do this, DRT will define a generic set of simulation outputs which will cover the full range of
anticipated flight characteristics. A file format will be defined allowing for maximum flexibility and ease of interface with
available data. Data processing modules will be developed to accept trajectory data and reconstruct the flight of the missile using
two- and three-dimensional time based animation. The user would interactively choose view angles, field of view and speed
of replay (real-time, fast-motion, slow-motion). Depending on the missile flight characteristics of interest including
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ARPA SBIR PHASE I AWARDS
accelerations, angles of attach, fin movements, multistage separation events, etc. Utilizing DRT's Sensor Performance
Visualization software, sensor fields of view will be reconstructed. Data processing modules will be written so that they can
be used as the building blocks during Phase U development of the fully operational simulation modeling tool. An initial user
interface will be developed to allow visualization of data processing module output. Based on this simple interface, plans will
be developed and refined for an optimal windowed interface to be developed in Phase If. DRT plans to utilize output data from
its in-house 6DOF simulation package as well as simulation and telemetry data provided by DARPA. All software development
will be undertaken using C/C+ + to allow for maximum compatibility with the computer world, and portability to Microsoft
Windows and Windows NT. Development will emphasize creating a package which can run on a variety of computing platforms
including 486 PCs for maximum usefulness. ANCITICPATED BENEFITS: The successful development of the DRT missile
simulation post-processing tool will enable users in the government and private sectors to review missile flight data in a manner
which is not currently widely possible. Either as a stand-alone package or combined with DRT's 6DOF simulation, this tool
will fill a void in the simulation market and provide a wider base of simulation users the power to analyze complex missile
engagements.
DRAGON SYSTEMS, INC. Topic#: 92-216 [D#: 9220882
320 NEVADA STREET Office: SSTO
NEWTON, MA 02160 Contract #: DAAHO-93-C-R101
Phone: [phone] PI: JANET BAKER
Title: Semi-automated Speech Transcription Systems
Abstract: Dragon Systems will explore the transcription process, survey some available data and materials, and analyze potential
transcription aids incorporating large vocabulary continuous automatic speech recognition. Dragon systems will also acquire
some selected data and perform some relevant recognition experiments using broadcast material. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS:
Transcription of recorded speech has wide applications throughout the federal government, both military and civilian agencies.
In addition to being valuable for intelligence applications, it is useful in any office setting. Captioning of television broadcasts
is an application for the hearing impaired that is supported by several government agencies.
DURATECH, INC. Topic#: 92-188 ID#: 9220871
778 SCOTTDALE ROAD Office: MICOM
DECATUR, GA 30033 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R102
Phone: [phone] PI: ROBERT HOCHMAN
Title: Flexible Circuit Reliability Enhancements Using Pulsed Magnetic Treatments
Abstract: Flexible circuits, used as system interconnects, can suffer reliability problems due to repeated flexing. These circuits
which are designed to bend can break the conductor traces transmitting signals between circuits. This proposal will investigate
whether this low cycle fatigue problem can be minimized by pulsed magnetic treatments. Pulsed magnetic treatments have been
shown by positron annihilation spectroscopy, PAS to change the metallurgical defect concentration and stress relieve metals like
copper and nickel. This technique has the potential to decrease the defect density at low temperatures. The typical flexible
circuit is not a candidate for thermal annealing since annealing temperatures will degrade the dielectric. Our approach in this
proposed effort is to perform partial fatigue tests of realistic electroric constructions through the use of flexible ductility testers,
perform various amounts of pulsed magnetic treatments and determine the efficacy of the treatments to extend fatigue life. A
second goal of the Phase I contract will be to determine the cost effectiveness of the treatment and whether the increased lifetime
for each circuit is justified over simply replacing it at periodic intervals. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS: Extended fatigue life
through exposure to pulsed magnetic treatment will translate into lower overall system cost for military and commercial
electronic hardware since the need for replacement will decrease.
EIC LABORATORIES, INC. Topic#: 93-010 ID#: 9310224
ILL DOWNEY STREET Office: DSO
NORWOOD, MA 02062 Contract #: DAAHO1-93-C-R234
Phone: [phone] PI: STUART COGAN
Title: Thin Film Batteries for Microelectronics
Abstract: The development of thin film, solid state batteries for microelectronic applications is proposed. The batteries will be
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